Denmark, which has the world’s highest VAT rate on books, decided on the reduction as a means to combat the ‘reading crisis’ in the country where OECD research has presented a deteriorating situation.
In its messaging to members the Danish Publishers Association said: Danske Forlag would like to thank Jakob Engel-Schmidt and the rest of the government for having an eye for all the qualities of books and, not least, for following up on the belief in books with such a concrete and noticeable initiative. It is an initiative that will undoubtedly strengthen the reading culture and the framework for writing and publishing fiction, non-fiction, children’s books and teaching materials of high quality.
In the New York Times the Danish PA’s CEO, Christine Bødtcher-Hansen was quoted saying “The move, she added, reflected a “political recognition of the book’s value and of the importance of a strong reading culture — something more crucial than ever in an age where reflection and critical thinking are essential.”
The IPA has long advocated for zero VAT rating on books and welcomes this decision by the Danish government.